Identify and locate a microswitch -

[dishman]

Hello all -

That time of year again when garden tools are taken out of their mothballs and for whatever reason are suddenly non-functional due to lack of use.

In this case it seems a microswitch for the hedgecutter handle lever has failed. The microswitch no longer springs and/or clicks and just gets stuck.

A replacement is required.

Using the model information on the side, the only obvious supply is via ebay from Hong Kong.
While this may be an option as a last resort I was hoping to find a UK supply.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10PCS-Lon...500491?hash=item237d6313cb:g:BnIAAOSwc-tY2ORi

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Micro...m-Open-Close-Limit-Switch-KW7-3-/321207806678

Usually finding these things is about searching with the right terminology i.e the specific type of microswitch.

While KW7-2 does bring up results, it is a limited selection. Am I correct that (accorting to the image) this is rated at 4A?

The ones linked above are rated 15A. How would this affect the operation of a microswitch? Would is just be a higher rated componant but still operate the same?

View media item 99553
Any ideas?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[jj4091]

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/standard-microswitch-with-roller-gw73q

 

[ban-all-sheds]

Neither of the two you found, nor the one suggested by jj look like the right design - your original doesn't look like it has a lever.

It looks more like it's one of these, with a button, not a lever:

?

 

[ericmark]

I seem to remember called a V2 micro switch I would think if you google that there will be loads.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

 

[winston1]

Neither of the two you found, nor the one suggested by jj look like the right design - your original doesn't look like it has a lever.

It looks more like it's one of these, with a button, not a lever:

?

The lever just operates the button and can be removed if not required.

 

[bernardgreen]

If the dimension are 10 x 28.5 x 16mm and the mounting is by two holes 2 x 3mm holes on 22.5mm centres then it is a V3 micro switch.

They are mostly made as button operated with the lever or roller added. If you cannot get a button one the lever of a lever operated one can ( with a bit of brutalliy ) be removed.
.

EDIT spurious image removed.

 

[ban-all-sheds]

The lever just operates the button and can be removed if not required.

Not necessarily without risking damage to the switch.

Plan A: Buy the right type in the first place

Plan B: Buy one which you know before it even arrives is the wrong type, planning to try to remove part of it to make it the right type.​

Most people here know which one makes sense.

 

[Taylortwocities]

http://www.espares.co.uk

 

[EFLImpudence]

Such waste these days. Can the switch not be repaired?

 

[ban-all-sheds]

It won't be openable. Might be worth trying a squirt of contact cleaner, or bathing it in IPA - could just be gummed up inside.

 

[jj4091]

Neither of the two you found, nor the one suggested by jj look like the right design - your original doesn't look like it has a lever.

It looks more like it's one of these, with a button, not a lever:

?

Yes you are again correct I mis-read the post & where he said the lever had failed I thought he meant the switch lever, this was reinforced by his links. As has been said there is little involved with removing the levers on these switches unless they are the type that are wrapped around the rivet, but a junior hacksaw or even a pair of wire cutters will soon remedy even that type, the pivoting ones just pull out.I agree though that getting the correct type is easier & possibly even cheaper.

 

[dishman]

Thank you for the replies, as always.

Indeed, I was aware that the replacements I linked to were those with a lever attached. As I kind of intimated, these are a worst case scenario pick. It looks as if the levers can be pulled out of the slot or cut off (this is what I hoped anyway). Not ideal, but an option at least.

espares has one which looks similar on the image. But compared to buying from an electronics supplier, their prices for the part are very inflated. Also, while it may look similar, there is no dimentions and/or ratings/specs, so I am reluctant to purcase on a whim.

The image you posted @ban-all-sheds is an exact match for the item. Is it just a stock image or did you copy it from a purcasable item?

I'll have a look at repair. But the button just seems to fall inwards and has no resistance nor a discernable click anymore. So I think the innards are beyond recovery.

 

[bernardgreen]

These may be able to supply without a minimum order value ( I have not used them )

https://www.esr.co.uk/shop/contents/en-uk/d2112571_Micro_Switches.html

 

[dishman]

These may be able to supply without a minimum order value ( I have not used them )

https://www.esr.co.uk/shop/contents/en-uk/d2112571_Micro_Switches.html

Looks like they may. I may give them a try. I'll need to double check the dimentions too.

In addition, they call this a V3 microswitch. Searching with that discription brings up a lot more pssoble results and sources.

Am I correct that the higher rating on most of these switches should not affect operation. This one is rated (i think) at 4 amps. Most supplies seems to be rated at 16 amps.